BLOGBLAST FOR PEACE 2011

Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all men - as we approach the Christmas season, it's what we all hope for - to live in a world without war. As we blogblast for peace, this is our hope and dream - now and forever.

BRITISH COURTS ON TV

The British version of Judge Judy could soon be appearing on our screens as tv cameras are allowed to film inside British court rooms for the first time ever. In the past cameras were only allowed in the Supreme court. However the ban on filming victims, witnesses, jurors and offenders will remain. Only filming of the judge’s summary remarks will be allowed. It is believed the new system will help to improve the public’s understanding of the British justice system. Only time will tell. It should certainly be very entertaining anyway if the US version is anything to go by!

9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET

R.I.P to all the people that lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks 10 years ago. Gone but not forgotten

FAIRYTALE WEDDING FOR WILLIAM & KATE

The nation rejoiced today as Prince William married his bride Kate Middleton in a historic ceremony at Westminster Abbey. There was an extraordinary atmosphere of happiness and goodwill as millions of people lined the streets of London hoping to catch a glimpse of the happy couple.

Kate looked stunning and every inch the fairytale Princess in her beautiful Alexander McQueen wedding gown, whilst Prince William was in smart military uniform, wearing the scarlet tunic of The Irish Guards. The ceremony went smoothly and without a hitch apart from the moment when Prince William seemed to struggle when he tried to place the wedding ring on his new bride's finger.

The happy couple will now be known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after the Queen gave Prince William a dukedom - the highest rank in British peerage - on his wedding day.

Congratulations to them both!

KATE & WILLS PERFORM FIRST OFFICIAL ROYAL ENGAGEMENT TOGETHER

As Royal Wedding fever hits England, it was nice to see William and Kate performing their first official Royal Engagement together. Crowds were gathered around, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of Prince William’s future bride as the couple launched a lifeboat in Anglesey, where William is currently stationed doing his helicopter training. The couple have a house nearby and are regularly seen in the local pubs and restaurants. Kate was happy and relaxed on home ground as she performed her first engagement for “the firm”. In the current economic climate, it was also nice to see that Kate has a thrifty side too, wearing a five year old coat that she had previously worn to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The coat had been shortened to make it even more stylish and up to date.

As she walked around and shook hands with some of the many wellwishers it was clear to see that like Diana, Kate is a natural and knows how to work a crowd. As Kate bent down to shake the hands of some of the many children who had gathered, it was almost like watching Diana again. Kate even stopped to stroke the head of a little Westie terrier dog. Carrying armfuls of flowers and bouquets from a delighted crowd, it was clear to see that the public have taken Kate into their hearts. Her first public engagement with Prince William was a great success. It is inevitable that comparisons will be made with Diana and like Diana, it is clear to see that Kate is very much in touch with the ordinary people, introducing a nice breath of fresh air into the Royal Family. With all the recent doom and gloom of these recession hit times, coupled with trouble in the Middle East, the prospect of an upcoming Royal Wedding has helped to lift people’s spirits and given them something to look forward to. We can only hope that lessons have been learnt from Diana and Kate will have a much happier Royal life and marriage than she did.

WILLIAM AND KATE TO MARRY

Congratulations to Prince William and Kate Middleton. Clarence House has announced that the happy couple are to marry in either Spring or Summer next year. After all the grim news recently about cutbacks and Britain heading back into recession, it’s nice to have some happy news for a change. A Royal wedding is just what Britain needs to raise public morale again. It will be also bring a tremendous boost to Britain’s economy breathing life into the beleaguered tourism industry.

The couple first met more than 8 years ago at St Andrew’s University in Scotland and have actually been engaged since October when Prince William proposed to Kate during a private holiday in Kenya. He gave Kate his mother’s engagement ring, joking she would be in “big trouble” if she ever lost it. Prince William stated that giving Kate his mother Diana’s beautiful sapphire and diamond engagement ring was his way of making sure that his mother didn’t miss out on the excitement and joy of the day. I’m sure Diana would have been very happy and proud of her son’s choice of bride. It is believed the ceremony will take place at Westminster Abbey. The happy couple will live in North Wales after their wedding where William, who is second in line to the throne, will continue to serve with the Royal Air Force.

The Duchess of Cornwall described the engagement as “brilliant news”, saying, “I’m so happy for both of them”, whilst Prince Charles said he was “thrilled” and that they had been “practising” long enough. Prince William’s brother Prince Harry said he was happy to be gaining a sister.

Congratulations to them both!

THE QUEEN JOINS FACEBOOK

The Queen has joined the Facebook generation with her own page on the social networking site. Now age 84, her Majesty has always been keen to embrace the latest technology and has her own email address and enjoys surfing the net. There is also a Royal You Tube Channel and Royal Twitter and Flickr pages.

Facebook fans can “like” the British Monarchy page and get regular updates and news on the Queen and other members of the Royal family. It will feature a copy of the Court Circular, giving details of the Royal family’s official engagements. However they can’t send her Majesty a friend request or “poke” her. After all one has to have some standards – doesn’t one?